2016 - Clad Metal in Jewelry

2016 - Clad Metal in Jewelry

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Traditionally, clad metal is defined as a composite of two or more dissimilar metals or alloys metallurgically bonded together to obtain functional characteristics that are not available in a single component. The metallurgical bond may be achieved by applying various techniques, all utilizing high temperature and pressure. Precious-metal clad of silver on copper and gold on copper has been used for ornaments, tableware and jewelry since the middle of the 18th century as a less expensive alternative to solid precious-metal products. This presentation reviews commonly used bonding processes, typical modern jewelry applications of clad metal such as gold filled and karat gold on sterling silver, and some recently developed unusual clads of similar metals. The presentation also covers the manufacturing of lightweight and thin-wall hollow jewelry using precious metal on base metal-clad composite.